As part of our commitment to sustainable residential design, we now have the first edition of LEED for Homes Reference Guide in our office Library.

The guide helps us to navigate the point-based system through which the US Green Building Council certifies homes as sustainable. Here’s a brief summary:

As we design your home, we choose strategies toward your goal of sustainability. The rating system offers points for different strategies in several categories: Innovation & Design; Location & Linkages; Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy & Atmosphere; Materials & Resources; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Awareness & Education. The independent third-party rating addresses these ideas in design, through construction, and into operation of the home. If the strategies are implemented properly by all parties involved, the home is granted a certification: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. With certification, you know you received what you paid for: a high performance house.

We welcome your inquiry about helping your new home or significant remodeling make the grade in sustainability.